Gary Edward Wichman
Gary Edward Wichman, 73 years old, passed away on August 3, 2025, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, community leader and dedicated athlete.
Gary passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday August 3, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. He was born May 24, 1952 to Edward and Loretta Wichman of Lansing, Michigan and grew up exploring the city on his bike with his beloved younger brother Mike.
Gary graduated from Everett High School in 1970 where he played football, basketball, golf, and track. He attended Kalamazoo College where he was the quarterback for the football team his freshmen year, then transferred to Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree. Gary received his MBA from University of Virginia.
Gary was a tremendous athlete throughout his life. He played basketball, softball, and golf long into adulthood. He completed the Chicago Marathon and 14 years of the Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinac bicycle ride, better known as the DALMAC.
Gary shared his love of sports on and off the field. He coached youth football, basketball, and t-ball for many years.
Gary was a strong community advocate and had great passion for Eaton Rapids. He was instrumental in securing funds for Eaton Rapids downtown revitalization, creating the riverwalk, and bringing new business to the city of Eaton Rapids. Gary served as Vice President of Eaton Rapids School Board and started the Eaton Rapids Education Fund, Eaton Rapids City Council, Eaton Rapids Community Alliance-Teen Space (Board Treasurer), Founder of Eaton Rapids Development Corp., DDA-Downtown Development Authority, Eaton Community Health Alliance, First United Methodist Church Finance Committee, Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Spring Brook Nonprofit Housing Association, City of Eaton Rapids Planning Commission, Eaton Community Heritage Foundation, Eaton Rapids Historical Foundation, Michigan Main Street Community, and Founding member of SOM.
Gary worked for PNC Bank/National City/ First of America/ American Bank & Trust for over 40 years, and was known for his hard work ethic and strong integrity, while also creating humorous skits at company meetings.
Gary was a music enthusiast and was a gifted accordion player, air guitarist, and air drummer. He loved spending time in the Eaton Rapids Paddle Club, coordinating over 40 years of euchre tournaments and spending time on Michigan’s lakes and shoreline.
Gary purchased many kayaks for his 12 grandkids to enjoy at their family lake house. He loved swimming across the lake to visit his lifelong friend and playing instruments around the bonfire.
Gary is survived by his wife Cheryl (Mock) Wichman; son Matt (Ashley) Wichman; daughters, Amy (Lyn) Wichman-Ovalle, Bethany (Daniel) Wichman-Buescher, Erin (Hunter) Wichman-Wyble; grandchildren, Hayleigh Townsend, Juliana Griffin, Avery Ovalle, Kaelin Griffin, Noah Ovalle, Brooklyn Griffin, Skylar Wichman, Logan Wichman, Ari Wichman, Eli Wichman-Buescher, Marley Wichman-Buescher, Willow Wyble; brother Michael (Mary) Wichman; and many nieces and nephews.
He was an intentional speaker and a thoughtful, attentive listener, guided by his strong Christian faith. He believed in making meaningful, authentic connections with others and approached every conversation with sincerity and grace. His faith shaped the way he lived, served, and loved. Despite being deeply involved in his community, he always made his family a priority. He never missed a dance recital, school play, game, or ceremony, his children and grandchildren could always count on him to be there, offering his steadfast love, support, and encouragement.
Most of all, Gary cherished the time he spent with his beloved wife of 47 years, Cheryl. He loved serenading her with Elvis songs, exploring both domestic and international destinations, and discovering hidden gems in small towns especially those rich in art, good food, and local wineries. Together, this dynamic duo poured their hearts into Cheryl’s passion project, the Teen Space Teen Center, working side by side to make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids on Monday, August 11, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Memorial luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eaton Rapids Teen Space Teen Center at eatonrapidscommunityalliance.org/#post-64